The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-12-17
SHORTER HOURS OF TOLL.
HOW WORKMEN MUST GET THE
BEST OF MACHINERY.

The Convention of the Federation of
Labor Votes to Ask Congress to
Enact Laws on the Subject-O Officers
Elected-How Strikes Will Be Sup
ported.
BALTIMORE, ND, Dec 16.-The first mat
erthat occupied the attention of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor this morning was
letter from the CigarmalSers Union, of
California, urging the convention to petit
ton Congress to adopt some measures that
will effectually put an end to the importa-
tion of Chinese cheap labor. The letter
was ordered to be spread upon the minutes.
Discussion as TO the best method of
financially supporting strikes resulted
in the adoption of clause enforcing
an assessment of &c per week per
member, said clause, however, not to
become law until it has received the sane
tion of the minor organizations.
1t was decided to reduce the per capita
tax for the support of the federation from
&c. to &c. a month on all members in good
standing OF minor organizations, and an
annual tax of $25 on all State federations.
A WARM DEBATE.
At the afternoon session there was great
deal of warm debate on points of paria.
mentary tactics, and at one time President
Gompers felt compelled TO ask Delegate
McSweeny, of the shoe lasters, to relieve
him, but finally the constitution was
adopted, and Prof. Il. T. Ely, of Johns Hop
kins University, was given an opportunity
to deliver a brief address He spoke on
the advantage Of united action, and Of the
recent awakening of public interest in the
condition of the laboring classes. He de-
precated strikes, and advised moderation
in dealing with non-union men, many of
whom he declared to be honest and worthy
men.
The report of the Finance Committee
showed the accounts of the federation TO be
in good order, and that the dues OF affilia-
ted bodies were not paid up as promptly as
could be desired. 1t was adopted.
1t was voted to be inexpedient to send
delegates to the Trades Union Congress to
be held in London next year, but national
and international labor organizations were
recommended to be represented in that
body.
SHORTER HOURS OF TOLL.
In view of the rapid advancement in the
perfecting of labor-saving machinery and
the consequent decrease in the number of
workmen employed in many industries, it
was resolved that efforts be made to secure
U16 endCIfnenU Dy OOllBTeSS Ol laws JudU
will reduce the hours of labor.
The Committee on the Growth of the
Order reported that the rapid growth of
the order resulted from a combination of
circumstances; first, the avowed purpose of
the federation to allow each trade to pre-
serve its autonomy, or govern itself; sec
ond, to the discomfort of the Knights of
Labor at the bad management of their affairs
and the disastrous strikes of recent date.
The committee recommended the utmost
resistance to the encroachment of the
Knights of Labor, inasmuch as that order
has shown itself opposed to the principles of
trades unionism. The report of the COM
mittee was adopted amid a considerable
show of enthusiasm.
The convention then proceeded to the
election of officers, and the following were
elected by acclamation:
President-Samuel Gompers, of New
York, representing the International Cigar
makers Union.
First Vice President-Daniel Mclaughlin,
representing the Illinois Miners Associa-
tion.
Second Vice President-William Martin,
of the Amalgamated Iron and Steel Work
ers' Association.
Secretary-P J. MCGUIRE of the Phila-
delphia Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners.
Treasurer-Gabriel Edmondston, of the
Washington Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners.
st. Louis was selected as the place for
holding the next Convention.